Customised solutions for the new requirements of the German Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG)
On 21 September 2023, the German Bundestag adopted the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG), officially known as the “Act to Increase Energy Efficiency and to Amend the Energy Services Act”. After being passed by the Bundesrat on 20 October 2023, the Act came into force on 18 November 2023 following publication in the Federal Law Gazette. What is the EnEfG about and what new obligations does it impose on companies?
Mandatory implementation of environmental and energy management systems for energy-intensive companies
The EnEfG imposes new requirements on a large number of companies, particularly if they are energy-intensive. They are now obliged to implement an energy or environmental management system. According to the version passed by the Bundestag on 21 September 2023, companies with a total annual energy consumption of more than 7.5 GWh will have to introduce an energy or environmental management system in accordance with ISO 50001 or EMAS. This system shall cover 100% of the total energy consumption. Energy consumption is calculated in the smallest legal unit and averaged over the last three years.
Deadline 18 July 2025: end of period pursuant to Section 8 (2) EnEfG
Affected companies must comply with this obligation within 20 months of the Energy Efficiency Act coming into force, with the deadline according to Section 8 (2) of the EnEfG ending on 18 July 2025. The Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) randomly checks compliance with this obligation. Companies required to implement an energy or environmental management system are exempt from the energy audit requirement during the transitional period.
Obligation to take energy-saving measures (including less energy-intensive companies)
The Energy Efficiency Act obliges companies with a total annual energy consumption of more than 2.5 GWh to publish specific, feasible implementation plans for energy-saving measures within three years at the latest:
- Energy-saving measures from an energy audit (DIN EN 16247-1) or the introduction of an energy or environmental management system must be evaluated in accordance with DIN EN 17463 (ValERI standard)
- Development and publication of implementation plans for all economically viable measures within three years of the Act coming into force
- Identification of waste heat sources and development of measures to avoid or utilise waste heat
Our energy efficiency experts at WESSLING Consulting Engineering will be happy to support you with customised solutions for your company and provide you with comprehensive advice on the implementation of EMAS and ISO 50001. We would be happy to work with you to determine what the requirements of the new EnEfG and its transition periods mean for your business, and to develop a bespoke roadmap for implementing the measures.
Your contact
- Gerrit Körner
- +49 2505 89-263
- gerrit.koerner@wessling-ce.de
„Is an energy management system or an environmental management system the right solution for your company? Let's find out together! Please do not hesitate to contact me.“
